Islam Makhachev's UFC 322 victory has opened up a world of possibilities, and he's got his sights set on a legendary showdown.
Makhachev, the new welterweight champion, dominated the main event at UFC 322, showcasing his wrestling skills to defeat Jack Della Maddalena. But here's where it gets controversial: despite other impressive performances on the night, Makhachev has his heart set on a different contender.
The Ultimate Challenge: Makhachev's Next Move
Islam Makhachev, fresh off his title win, has revealed his top choice for his first title defense - and it's a big one. He wants to face Kamaru Usman, the former pound-for-pound king and a fighter who has dominated the welterweight division.
Usman, currently ranked #5 in the world, has an impressive record and has proven his worth against top contenders. Makhachev believes that Usman's experience and skill set make him a formidable opponent, even against the likes of Michael Morales and Carlos Prates, who also put on impressive displays at UFC 322.
"The two fights [Morales and Prates] did very well," Makhachev said. "But I still think Kamaru can beat them both. They're young and hungry, but Kamaru is still dangerous and one of the best. If it were up to me, I'd choose Kamaru."
And this is the part most people miss: Makhachev isn't just talking the talk. He's attended Usman's fights and witnessed his dominance first-hand. Usman, who was present at Makhachev's title win, even sent a congratulatory message to the new champ, setting the stage for a potential epic battle.
But here's the twist: UFC CEO Dana White considers Usman the greatest welterweight of all time, even over the legendary Georges St-Pierre. So, the question remains: who will Makhachev face first? Will he go for the legendary Usman, or will he opt for a different contender?
And here's where you come in: who do you think should be Islam Makhachev's first title defense opponent? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Get ready for an epic welterweight division showdown, folks!
Potential Contenders:
- Ilia Topuria
- Kamaru Usman
- Belal/Garry
- Michael Morales
- Carlos Prates
Who's your pick?
